By Anice Stark - Toronto, Canada
Dear Friends and Family,
The past few days we have had weather more closely associated with North American or Europe - cold, wet and extremely windy. The windows in the hotel dining area have been moving like they were going to fall out. We have had pelting rain - which was snow in Jerusalem. The only magnificent sight were the waves coming onto the beach area - huge white caps - rolling, bubbling, and spraying both sea and sand. Even the roof top pool, which we can see from our room, had a few white caps!
CAARI still "weathered" the storm - enjoying our work at schools and community organizations. The other day we enjoyed a special afternoon at one of JNF's therapeutic riding centers in Tel Mond, just north of Tel Aviv. It is amazing how the animals relate to those tha have CP, autism or are suffering from head injuries. The staff is so supportive. We were all in awe with the work that is done and some of us got to work with the dogs to experience how they relate.
Our speakers continue to be outstanding. Zelig Chinitz, Sr. Advisor to the JNF CEO, spoke to our group Wednesday evening. He discussed the partnership of the Diaspora to Israel - very relevant of our group.
This week we have the "CAARI turnover" 13 CAARI participants completed their three weeks. We will miss them and there were lots of hugs and even a few tears as the said "farewell"! Diane Amster received flowers from her students, others received notes, candy and lots of thanks! Yael; the head nurse from Ichilov praised the CAARI volunteers! She said - " we can't thank you enough for what you are doing for our patients!" Thursday and Friday new participants joined the group and we are back to a full bus! Next week we are looking forward to better weather - the CAARI program goes on!
This week we have the "CAARI turnover" 13 CAARI participants completed their three weeks. We will miss them and there were lots of hugs and even a few tears as the said "farewell"! Diane Amster received flowers from her students, others received notes, candy and lots of thanks! Yael; the head nurse from Ichilov praised the CAARI volunteers! She said - " we can't thank you enough for what you are doing for our patients!" Thursday and Friday new participants joined the group and we are back to a full bus! Next week we are looking forward to better weather - the CAARI program goes on!
We hear it is pretty cold in Canada - stay warm!
Love,
Anice and Arnold Stark
